DPS Board Announces Interim Superintendent

Veteran educator Dr. Ron Cabrera, former DPS teacher and principal, to lead during transition

DENVER – Denver Board of Education members unanimously voted today to appoint Dr. Ron Cabrera, a veteran educator who began his nearly 40-year career in education as a teacher at Denver’s North High School, as the district’s interim superintendent after Tom Boasberg’s departure on Oct. 19.

Board President Anne Rowe made the announcement following the board’s meeting this morning at Stedman Elementary in Denver’s Park Hill neighborhood, the school where Dr. Cabrera served as a principal from 1988-1991.

“We have a lot of work to do and we need to keep DPS moving forward,” Rowe said. “Ron’s leadership on equity and the opportunity gap throughout his exceptional career, and his deep roots in Denver, will provide tremendous stability and leadership during this transition.”

DPS Superintendent Tom Boasberg announced in July that he was stepping down after nearly 10 years leading the state’s largest school district. His last day will be Oct. 19.

“Ron is a talented, caring, and highly respected leader,” Boasberg said. “Ron’s leadership capabilities and knowledge of DPS will allow our focus to remain exactly where it should be – on helping every student succeed.”

Boasberg said he will work closely with Cabrera over the next several weeks to ensure a smooth transition. DPS board members recently extended their search for Boasberg’s permanent successor, and now expect to announce a new leader in December.

Cabrera has served as a teacher, principal, instructional leader and superintendent in Denver and school districts across the metro area. Among other roles, he was principal of Boulder High School, director of curriculum and instruction in Commerce City, deputy superintendent in Westminster and superintendent in Loveland. He retired as assistant superintendent for instructional leadership and equity for the Boulder Valley School District in June 2017.

Throughout his career, he has maintained close ties to DPS, including serving as a leadership coach and, after his retirement from Boulder, lending his expertise to district instructional priorities. Most recently, he served as DPS interim associate chief of academic and innovation and, this past spring, supported with the district’s implementation of culturally responsive education in schools.

“My core values are respect and dignity for all students and families, and my moral purpose is closing the achievement gap,” Cabrera said. “It is a great honor to do this work for Denver.”

Rowe said board members did not consider candidates for the permanent superintendent’s role in selecting an interim. Cabrera said he is not applying for that position, noting he has nine other priorities who need his long-term attention – his nine grandchildren.